Change is the only constant thing in life. I've learned to like it even though sometimes it's hard. This blog is about adapting to changes and seeing things differently. I guess my wish is for readers to see value in taking the 'risk' of changing, for the better, and maybe contribute towards their courage trying it :)

Saturday, July 2, 2011

What kinda friends are we?

"We're not real friends unless we're friends on facebook"

I have 726 friends on facebook. But how many of your facebook friends do you really consider as really good friends? For me, I'd estimate <25. And that's already a big number in my opinion. What is a friend? What do you expect from a friend? Here's some types of friends I identified from my list of 726.
In the real friend category we have:
The friend at first sight
There are the friends that you immediately get along with and relate to. Sometimes you barely have any common interests but you don't even realize it. You're too busy agreeing on how much you're alike. They're the type of friends whom you feel connected to right on the spot, from the very first conversations. They're almost a mirror image of your soul and you know what to expect from them because they're just like you. They get you, and you get them. It's the kinda peeps you go years without talking and just resume the conversation like it was yesterday. It's magic.

The friend by situation
When you're on a difficult path and you meet someone on that same path, it's easy to relate to each other. It's also easy to team up and watch each other's back. With time, a great friendship develops as you start caring for each other almost like family.
The alter-ego
He/She seems like your complete opposite. Except that part of you relates to that personality. You get along so well because you complement each other. You barely have anything in common but somehow always have fun together. It's the kinda friendship that you don't really question. It just works.
The friend by gratitude
You do something nice, and the person is ever thankful and wants to be there for you whenever you need one. And there starts a circle of care and gratitude that, over time, grows into a real little team. The kind you go out of your way to help and vice versa. We're in it together and we're getting out together kinda deal.

The Oracle
He/She isn't always around, is possibly not very good at keeping in touch, but will always be there when needed. Always picks up/returns your calls to give you a shoulder to cry on, an honest opinion, or much-needed advice. Usually calm, optimistic and encouraging. The kind that checks on you when you're sick and remembers your birthday.

In the other category we have:

The illusionist
You know all about their lives... because that's all they talk about. I know I have been a "real friend" to people who I don't consider as my "real friends". In other words, I gave without expecting anything in return. No regrets, I love being able to give people a new sparkle of hope. But as long as our friendship is based on me helping you, in my dictionary, I'm your friend but you're most likely not mine. When the friendship starts showing some two way motion, then we can talk real friendship.

The memory
You know. The people you haven't seen since you were 10. You kinda add each other because of the good memories. Sometimes you catch up. Sometimes you don't. Just for nostalgia's sake.
The social butterfly
You're a friend of a friend so you're their friend. Networking is big these days. Why not. You never know who they know. However, if you never meet in person, it's pretty much useless.

The peers
Same career paths/ hobbies/ passions/ employer. Whatever it is, there's a good reason for you to network and that's what you do.